Elonera Montessori School is located in Wollongong, New South Wales

New South Wales

New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...

, and was established in 1987 by parents and friends of an alternative school who were enthused about taking on the Montessori philosophy.

The school is a non-profit organisation that provides a rich academic program for 110 students who range in age from three to 18 (preschool to Year 12). It is non-sectarian, coeducational and multicultural.

School philosophy

Montessori in the early years relies upon specialised hands-on concrete learning materials. High-school students use abstract thinking skills, and rely on the internet and use literature and reference materials for their own research. The school believes that:

• children learn in different ways, using all of their senses.
• children learn not to be afraid of making mistakes; they see them as natural steps in the learning process.
• children learn to collaborate and work together.
• children strive for their personal best, rather than compete for the highest grade in the class.

An international baccalaureate high school

In 2011 Elonera Montessori High School will offer Year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to participate in the International Baccalaureate program (IB). The IB is an international equivalent of the HSC, giving our students access to Universities in Australia and around the world.

School grounds

Elonera Montessori school was originally located on Foleys Road in Gwynneville. As the school became larger, the school relocated to a much larger premiss in Mount Ousley. The school buildings are currently undergoing extensive renovations, including a new learning environment for the High School.

The meaning of Elonera

"Elonera" is aboriginal for "A happy and safe learning environment for children".
Elonera Montessori School: A happy and safe learning environment that teaches Montessori philosophies.

School motto

The Elonera Montessori School Motto for both the High School and Primary is "Education in Harmony of Life".

Elonera High School

Elonera Montessori High School follows all of the philosophies of a Montessori class room. The High School is one of only two in New South Wales. The High School is also implementing the International Baccalaureate in the year 2011. Offering students a rare opportunity to study in their year 11 and 12 years in away similar to the Montessori Method.

The Montessori High School students have a large involvement with the primary students and Pre-School students. They also participate in many hands on learning activities. Given the schools excellent student to teacher ratios, students receive excellent one on one attention as well as the benefits of small classes to maximise every students potential .

Administration

• Business Name: Elonera Ltd.

• Head of School: Elizabeth Goor
• Deputy Head of School: Alex Ioannou

• Head of Primary: Elizabeth Goor
• Head of High School: Alex Ioannou

• Administration: Grace Benedetti
• Enrolments: Janice Leffley